Since its beginning, Pell City’s Writers Anonymous has served up one pleasant surprise after another. It started small with only four people six years ago, but it hasn’t stayed that way. Writers Anonymous has grown in number, skills, and in what they offer to the literary growth of Pell City.

The first four people have increased to about 40 members, and those members have brought home more than 150 awards for their writing in a little over a year. In addition, WA continues to collaborate with the Pell City Library to co-sponsor the Mid-Winter Writers Conference. WA also continues to contribute to the Pell City Library’s Summer Reading Program. However, the latest endeavor may be the best one of all.

The Board of Writers Anonymous voted to create an award to celebrate excellence in writing and to honor people who write to that standard. That gave birth to an annual award for one author whose writing demonstrated that excellence. The winner of that award must also show an interest in encouraging other writers and his or her outreach should impact more than their own small circle.

You may or may not know that my son Buddy died from a heart attack in December, 2016. The only thing Buddy loved more than helping people was books, and he hoped to someday be published. His untimely death meant that would never happen. 

However, the WA Board voted unanimously to name that award “The Horace Ray (Buddy) Roberts, Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing.” The first person to receive this award was WA’s own James Matthew Byers, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this first award that carries my son’s name.

Byers was first published as a student in “Something Else,” a yearly collection of poems from current students. Four of his poems made it into that publication.

Fast forward ten years, and Byers’s book-length poem, “Beowulf: The Midgard Epic”, was published by a small press. In the interim, several of his poems won awards in a variety of contests.

Byers has seen both his poetry and his short stories published in a variety of magazines, both online and paper publications. He has also been published in a variety of anthologies, at least three or four of them. In addition to his many other published works, his first full-length poetry compilation, Voyeurs and Vultures, has been released by Stitched Smile Publications.

WA has been delighted to see the growth and accomplishments of this fine author and poet. He has toured and spoken in several venues about “Voyeurs and Vultures”. Heoften performs his poetry dressed in costume as the “Darque Bard” to the delight of children of all ages, from 6 to 60. From his hooded cape to his date appropriate long sword, he’s a sight to behold! 

Byers latest venture has been to connect and collaborate with a British poet, with whom he has jointly written some poems. Their plan is to set up a tour both in the United States and in Europe. With his artistic energy, I can only guess what he’ll accomplish after this.

Both Writers Anonymous and I are delighted to introduce you to James Matthew Byers, poet, author, artist, encourager, collaborator, and just plain old country boy. Congratulations, Matt. You deserve all this and more. 

Writers Anonymous meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 at the “Ultrasound Studio,” 2111 Cogswell Avenue. There is no charge, and visitors are welcome. If you’d like to learn more about Writers Anonymous, you can read about us at www.writersanonymous.us. You can also email Rita directly at rita@ritamoritz.com